Page 53 of Obsessive Love

Inside is a beautiful, wooden black jewellery box with my name engraved on the lid of it. I open it up and run my hands along the different sections inside.

"There's another note," Jaylen whispers, pointing to one of the partially open drawers inside.

I gently pull the drawer open and take out the note.

A safe space for you to keep the precious items I've already bought you and all of the future ones that I'll undoubtedly purchase.

A smile graces my face as I carry the jewellery box over to my dressing table, setting it to the side. I collect both notes and take them to my bedside cabinet, putting them with the other one I received with the butterfly clip.

I walk back over to the bed, nudging Jaylen out of the way and I pick up the small square box.

I lift the lid and inside is a small velvet pouch. I shake my head as I put two and two together.

I pull the pouch open and gently tip the contents into my hand.

"Damn. Maybe I should make more of an effort with Kaleb. I want nice presents too," Jaylen says as we both stare in awe at the bracelet in my hand.

"It's beautiful," I whisper, swiping my thumb across the diamonds that litter the silver base.

"It says something."

I look to where Jaylen's pointing at the inside of the bracelet and I unclip it so that we can get a better view.

A laugh escapes me as I read the inscribed words.

Dolcezza Mia.

"He just had to add something delusional to such a nice gift, didn't he?"

"I think it's sweet," I state, putting the bracelet around my wrist and clasping it back together.

Jaylen raises a curious brow, seemingly confused by my reaction. I shrug and move the empty boxes from my bed, reaching for the last sealed one, eager to know what's inside.

"Hold on. You think it's sweet?" he asks as I break the seal on the last box and begin to open it.

"Yeah, I do," I admit. "He has his own way of showing that he cares about someone. It may seem peculiar to you, but I think I understand it. He has an obsessive nature, and as Jericho said, he thinks differently to most people. He may seem scary and impulsive, but he's not out of control like everyone seems to think. He's caring and kind. He's sweet and fiercely protective of the people he loves, which I actually really respect about him. I think he's just misunderstood, but I think I understand him."

"You seriously like him, don't you?" he asks, removing the box from my hands and nudging my arm so that I look at him.

I nod, rolling my lips inward as I watch him, worried about his reaction.

"Well, shit," he says, pulling me in for a hug. "You really know how to stir up some trouble, Soph."

I sigh and wrap my arms around him, glad he's not judging me or angry with me for finally admitting how I feel.

"You know I've got your back, no matter what you do and what happens, but just be careful. Not only are you married to his brother, but after what we found in Jericho's office, there's a lotof unanswered questions and we have no idea what's going on or what their intentions are."

"I'm going to find out what's going on with all of that," I tell him, pulling away from him. "I'll find a way to ask him about it or I'll even go to Jericho. I don't care if they know I was snooping."

"Well, don't do anything about it just yet. I've spoken to your dad and Dominic about it and they're looking into things to see if they can find any reasoning behind it. Just wait to see if they can find any answers before you go exposing yourself for snooping around. We don't know what sort of trouble that might bring."

"Yeah, okay. I'll wait." I turn around to look at the mess in my room and I let out a tired sigh. Jaylen chuckles and walks over to the bin in the corner, picking it up.

"Come on, let's tidy this up."

I take the box from my bed and put it on my dresser with the intention of opening it later and then begin helping Jaylen tidy my room, picking up loose screws and packaging paper and throwing it all in the bin.

"Dominic wants me to meet him tomorrow. He said he feels abandoned ever since I moved here with you," Jaylen says, throwing the last bit of rubbish away as I fold some of my clothes and put them in the wardrobe. "You want me to drop you off at home so that you can see Jess and your parents whilst I'm out?"

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